Born to a poor but pious family, when she old enough she had to beg to help them survive. She felt a call to religious life, but worked as a servant in a wealthy household, then a nanny in an orphanage. Religious of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters). She worked as a cook and maid, but her spiritual insights were obvious, and many priests, religious and laity came to her for advice. She had the gift of prophecy, and helped spread devotion to the Wounds of Christ.